Chili-Lime Roasted Pepitas Recipe

Chili-lime roasted pepitas are a bold, crunchy Mexican-inspired side or topping that comes together in under 15 minutes with just a handful of pantry ingredients. These seasoned pumpkin seeds pack serious nutrition and can elevate soups, salads, grain bowls, or tacos with a satisfying crunch. Each serving provides ~306 calories with 15g of plant-based protein and healthy fats, making this keto-friendly snack one of the most nutrient-dense sides you can make.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), hulled
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1.5 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine raw pepitas with olive oil. Toss to coat.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt. Toss until every seed is well coated with the spice mixture.
4. Drizzle lime juice over the seeds and toss again. The acid from the lime helps the spices adhere.
5. Spread the pepitas in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. They should not overlap.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring once at the 7-minute mark, until the seeds are golden and fragrant. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with lime zest while still hot.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. They will crisp up significantly as they cool.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a pinch more salt or lime zest if needed.
10. Serve as a side dish topping or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Tips & Variations

• Bake at a lower temperature than you think. High heat causes pepitas to pop and burn before they are fully toasted.
• Pepitas continue to crisp as they cool. Do not overbake based on texture while still hot.
• Add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat for a sweet-spicy version.
• Toss into soups, grain bowls, salads, or serve alongside guacamole and chips.
• Try the same spice blend with sunflower seeds or mixed nuts for a snack mix.

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: 306 kcal

Protein: 14.5g

Fat: 26.8g

Carbs: 8.1g

Fiber: 3.4g

Track It with Nutrify

Tracking Chili-Lime Roasted Pepitas is easy with Nutrify's AI-powered food scanner. Just snap a photo of your plate and get instant calorie and macro data. Download Nutrify to start tracking smarter.